UK Appliance Error Codes

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Bosch Washing Machine Fault Codes

Browse the available Bosch washing machine fault codes in one place, then open the exact code page for the likely meaning, safe first steps, and when to stop troubleshooting.

Browse the parent brand page: Bosch

Most common faults to check first

Common problems in this cluster

Common fault categories

drainage

3 related codes

fill water

3 related codes

leak and overflow

3 related codes

door lock

2 related codes

heating

2 related codes

motor drive

2 related codes

Most searched / most useful codes

All fault codes in this cluster

18 code pages currently available for this brand and appliance cluster.

Canonical path: /bosch/washing-machine/
CodeMeaningSeverity
E16Door locking or door sensing problemmedium
E17Water is not entering the machine properlymedium
E18The washer cannot drain within the expected timemedium
E19Water heating faultmedium
E20Motor drive or drum movement issuehigh
E23Overflow or leak protection has been triggeredhigh
E25The machine is not draining water correctlymedium
E26Water level or pressure sensing faultmedium
E27Power supply or voltage issuemedium
E28Control or wiring communication faulthigh
E29The washer is not filling with water properly.medium
E30Overflow or leak protection has been triggeredhigh
E36Door locking or door sensing problemmedium
F17Water is not entering the machine properlymedium
F18The machine is not draining water correctlymedium
F19Water heating faultmedium
F21Motor drive or drum movement issuehigh
F23Overflow or leak protection has been triggeredhigh

Useful guides

Common Washing Machine Error Codes Explained

Use this guide to identify what your washing machine error code is pointing to, what to check first, and when it is better to stop troubleshooting and call an engineer.

Why Your Washing Machine Won't Drain

Understand the usual signs of a drainage fault, what you can safely inspect first, and when a blocked filter, hose, or pump needs professional help.

Best Washing Machine Setting for Everyday Laundry

A mixed or easy-care wash at 30°C to 40°C is the best everyday setting for most households, provided the load is not too full and fabrics are not too heavy.

Best Washing Machine Setting for Towels

Use a cottons programme, 40°C to 60°C, and a high spin for towels. Avoid overloading, too much detergent, and fabric softener build-up.

Clothes Still Dirty After Washing Machine

Dirty clothes after washing are usually caused by overloading, the wrong programme, too low a temperature for the soil level, poor detergent dosing, or a rinse/drain problem.

Mixed Load vs Cottons on a Washing Machine

Use mixed for everyday clothing with varied fabrics. Use cottons for towels, bedding, robust cotton garments, and heavier loads that need a longer wash.

Washing Machine Leaves Residue on Clothes

Residue is often caused by too much detergent, overloading, low water movement, short cycles, poor rinsing, or drainage issues.

Washing Machine Not Cleaning Properly

Start by reducing the load, using a suitable full-length programme, checking detergent dose, and comparing drainage or foam-related faults if laundry is soapy or wet.

Washing Machine Smells After Wash: What Setting Should You Use?

Use a hotter cottons wash for towels and bedding where allowed, avoid overloading, reduce detergent if needed, and check whether poor drainage is contributing to smells.

Washing Machine Symbols Explained

Most symbols point to fabric type or cycle stage: cottons, synthetics, delicates, wool, rinse, spin, drain, eco, and quick wash.

What Setting for Gym Clothes

Use a synthetics, sportswear, or delicate programme at 30°C with a moderate spin. Avoid fabric softener and avoid mixing gym wear with towels.

What Setting to Use for Washing Clothes

For most mixed everyday clothes, use a mixed or synthetic programme at 30°C or 40°C with a moderate spin, then adjust for towels, bedding, delicates, and heavily soiled items.

What Setting to Wash Bed Sheets

Most cotton bed sheets suit a cottons cycle at 40°C, with 60°C useful for hygiene where the label allows. Do not overload the drum with bulky bedding.

What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK

Use 30°C for lightly worn clothes, 40°C for more soiled everyday items, and 60°C for towels, bedding, or hygiene loads where the care label allows.

Best Setting for Dark Clothes

Wash dark clothes inside out on a mixed, synthetics, or darks programme at 30°C, using a moderate spin and a detergent suited to colours.

How to Wash Whites Properly

Wash whites separately, use a suitable detergent, choose 40°C for most white clothing, and use 60°C for white towels or bedding where labels allow.

SpeedPerfect vs EcoPerfect on Bosch Washing Machines

SpeedPerfect is generally for reducing wash time, while EcoPerfect is generally for saving energy. The right choice depends on the load, soil level, and whether speed or efficiency matters more.

Washing Machine Setting for Baby Clothes

Use a baby-care, cottons, or mixed programme depending on fabric, usually at 40°C, with an extra rinse where skin sensitivity or detergent residue is a concern.

What Does EcoPerfect Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?

EcoPerfect is generally an energy-saving option on Bosch washing machines. It usually extends or adjusts the wash to reduce energy use compared with faster options.

What Setting to Wash Shirts

Most shirts suit an easy-care, synthetics, or mixed programme at 30°C to 40°C with a moderate spin to reduce creasing.